We have a number of resources to support monitoring bodies, including National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs).

Factsheet on Preventive Monitoring

This factsheet outlines why independent external monitoring of places of detention is essential to counter torture and abuse. It briefly explains the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and lists the crucial elements of detention monitoring.

The Tool contains four thematic papers, which analyse broader themes that will benefit from a comprehensive monitoring approach, and five short factsheets which provide practical guidance on how monitoring bodies can focus on a number of systemic issues that are particularly high risk factors for torture or ill-treatment.

Please note that the English versions of the following papers were updated in 2015 to reflect changes in the revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules). 2nd editions in other languages will follow.

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Some content on this site is in one of the 12 other languages that we operate and many publications have been translated. You can use filters throughout the site or use Google’s tool for basic translations.